New Version Of Global Graphics' Harlequin Host Renderer Sdk Supports

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Press release from the issuing company

Cambridge UK and Centreville VA, May 15, 2007: Global Graphics has
launched Version 1.1 of the Harlequin Host Renderer SDK that provides
high-quality components with which to build printer drivers and other
host-based rendering solutions for a wide variety of raster devices. It
adds native support for PostScript and PDF processing in addition to the
XPS support available from Version 1.0.
The Harlequin Host Renderer SDK will be particularly useful to printer/MFP
manufacturers who develop their own drivers and who need Page Description
Language (PDL) technology that can accommodate new and emerging PDLs such
as XPS. It enables developers to build high-performance solutions that are
fully compliant with the Windows Hardware Quality Labs testing requirements
for Windows Vista? Premium Logo status. Used as a filter within an XPSdrv
filter pipeline it can be configured to support a wide range of
raster-driven devices including inkjet printers/MFPs and low-end raster
laser printers/MFPs. As a renderer the Harlequin Host Renderer can also be
linked or loaded into an OEM-provided, host-based tool for printing on
premium output devices, such as wide and grand format and digital
production printers.
Highly configurable, the Harlequin Host Renderer SDK offers extensive
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that allow customization and
integration of OEM specific technology such as screening, color management,
font handling and image filtering as alternatives to the built-in
functionality. Advanced PrintTicket processing allows for the handling of
common PrintTicket keys, such as PageResolution, PageMediaSize and
PageOrientation, and also provides a flexible mechanism for printer
manufacturers to add their own custom PrintTicket keys. Cross platform
support allows deployment in host-based solutions on a wide variety of
operating systems.
The Harlequin Host Renderer SDK is based on a new iteration of the powerful
RIP kernel found at the heart of the Harlequin RIP with significant
expansion, modularity and optimization. It is part of a new range of SDKs
for driver-based, embedded and server-based solutions that share a common
architecture based on Global Graphics' next-generation RIP technology.
Paul Collins, Global Graphics' RIP technologies product manager comments,
"Our new range of toolkits excel at processing Page Description Languages
and other document formats at high speeds. The Harlequin Host Renderer SDK
allows manufacturers to bring their printer driver or host-based solutions
to market quickly with their chosen set of customized features. When they
want to scale up or expand their solutions to other devices in their range
they can do so because our new SDKs are based on a common RIP architecture.
By standardizing their solutions on our powerful and flexible technology
manufacturers will get the performance gains they require and a reduction
in the engineering effort they expend on integrating different solutions
together or on maintaining several different architectures. That's a
compelling commercial argument."
A recognized expert dedicated to interpreting, rendering and converting
PDLs for nearly 20 years, Global Graphics' leading edge expertise and
engineering capability were factors in the company being chosen by
Microsoft in 2003 to provide consultation services on the XPS specification
as well as develop a prototype and a print reference XPS RIP for Microsoft.
The print reference XPS RIP is an openly available test vehicle that allows
hardware and software vendors to create prototypes, familiarize themselves
with the compliancy requirements needed to meet the XPS specification and
to examine the quality of XPS printed output against the specification.
Evaluators are encouraged to contact Global Graphics to discuss the
extensive functionality available in our commercial products that is not
present in the print reference XPS RIP.